Phone Locker® Implementation
Your Questions Answered
Why are we implementing Phone Locker® pouches at The Corbet School?
In England, the Department for Education’s guidance on mobile phones in schools has now become statutory. Schools are required to be mobile phone-free by default. Phones and similar smart devices must be prohibited throughout the entire school day, including during lessons, breaks, lunchtimes, and lesson changeovers.
Research has shown that removing phones from the school day increases focus, engagement and interaction at school.
Why did we choose Phone Locker®?
A lockable phone pouch means students have the security of retaining their phone, with a fast and easy way of accessing them again at the end of the school day.
When will may child receive their Phone Locker® pouch?
During the first day back of the new term, Wednesday 2nd September 2026, your child will be given their own Corbet School Branded Phone Locker® Pouch during form time to keep until they leave school (at the end of Year 11 for most).
How do the Phone Locker® pouches work?
What happens at the start of the school day?
- At the start of the school day, the unlocking stations will be opened, allowing students to unlock their pouches as they enter the school site.
- Students must then place any mobile phone, wireless earbuds (such as AirPods or EarPods) and smartwatch into their Phone Locker® pouch and secure it.
- Students arriving late will be expected to place their devices in their Phone Locker® pouch when signing in at Reception.
- The Phone Locker® pouch must remain securely in your child’s school bag throughout the school day.
- During registration, form tutors will check that students have secured their devices in their locked Phone Locker® pouch.
What happens at the end of the school day?
- At the end of the school day, the unlocking stations will be opened, allowing students to unlock their pouches before leaving the school site.
- Students will be advised to lock their empty pouches and place them back in their bags ready for the next day.
Can my child use their phone on the way to school?
Yes, students can use their mobile phones responsibility while travelling to and from school. However, students are expected to turn off their phones when they arrive on site and place the items inside their pouches along with any Bluetooth headphones or smart watches.
What if my child has a medical appointment during the school day?
Families should inform our attendance team in advance of the appointment. When your child signs out, they should unlock their pouch at the reception unlocking station and remove any devices before leaving. It the responsibility of the student to do this.
What if my child requires their phone for reasons related to their medical needs?
A Velcro pouch will be issued to students who require a mobile phone for medical reasons as part of their school health care plan.
What if I need to contact my child during the school day?
Reception is there to take calls or emails enquiring about any child’s wellbeing, or a practical issue (like a forgotten lunch, or PE kit). We encourage appropriate communication between families and school, but we discourage communication that is either unnecessary or could unsettle students within a school day.
Our current policy is that phones should be switched off and in bags, so this should not be a change for students.
What happens if there is a fire or a lockdown situation?
We have site evacuation and emergency lockdown procedures that staff are familiar with. In such instances, it’s important instructions by staff are taken. As such, mobile phones would only complicate the situation further.
What happens if a Phone Locker® pouch is damaged, lost or graffitied?
Deliberate misuse, damage, loss or graffitiing the pouch will result in parents/ cares being invoiced for a replacement.
What happens if a student is caught on their phone or is suspected of still using their phone during the school day?
If a pupil does not follow the expectations of the policy they will be dealt with in accordance with the Behaviour Policy. Senior Leaders & Heads of Year will carry out regular mobile phone checks to ensure the effective implementation of the policy.
What happens if my child forgets their Phone Locker® pouch?
Any students who bring a device but forget their Phone Locker® pouch are expected to hand in their devices to reception at the start of the school day. They will be allowed to collect these at 3.20pm.
Can staff use their phones in school?
Some staff are issued work mobiles and are expected to use them to respond to incidents around school. Personal phones can only be used by staff when students are not present.
What if my child doesn’t have a mobile phone or isn’t allowed to bring their phone to school?
Every student will be issued with a Phone Locker® pouch in September 2026 to retain until they leave school. If your child doesn’t have a phone or bring it to school, you should inform your child’s form tutor of this. The pouch is to be used if a student wants to bring a phone, earbuds or smart watch with them to school.
Can my child write their name on the pouch?
No, the pouch needs to be re-useable if your child leaves school.
Will my child’s phone be safe?
Students are in possession of their own phone as they are now, but it must be secured in their Phone Locker® pouch for the entire school day. We will expect students to store the pouch in their school bags. The school will not accept any liability for any loss or damage to devices brought into school.
